Automated problem handling and portability

Many of the tasks that would traditionally have required a computer programmer are automated.  As such, GAMS automatically does coefficient calculation; checks the formulation for obvious flaws; chooses the solver; formats the programming problem to meet the exact requirements of the solver; causes the solver to execute the job; saves and submits the advanced basis when doing related solutions; and permits usage of the solution for report writing.  Also GAMS verifies the correctness of the algebraic model statements and allows empirical verification using programs like GAMSCHK.

Furthermore, GAMS code is portable between computers.  GAMS has been implemented on machines ranging from PCs to UNIX/LINUX workstations to CRAY super computers.  Exactly the same code runs on all of these computer systems.

Switching solvers is simple, requiring changing a solver option statement, or changing from using LP to using NLP, as discussed in the Variables, Equations, Models and Solves chapter.  Links to spreadsheets have also been developed as discussed in the Links to Other Programs Including Spreadsheets chapter.